The amazing Thundercat returns with his first original music in two years, “I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time” and “Children of the Baked Potato” (feat. Remi Wolf), out now via Brainfeeder. The tracks arrive just a month before he kicks off a tour of North America.
Thundercat fans can rejoice that they’re getting not one but two offerings from the big bad bassist, both of which feature input from the legendary Greg Kurstin. “I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time,” with its relaxed bassline and Thunder’s soft falsetto, taps into the classic Thundercat sound. The riffs, nimble and familiar, are easy to slip into, a welcome return to form from a master at his craft.
Meanwhile, “Children of the Baked Potato” invokes a more urgent energy, one where Thunder is matched by Remi Wolf’s commanding wails. The song’s title refers to the legendary hole-in-the-wall jazz club in LA, (which, you guessed it, exclusively serves baked potatoes), and which, for over 50 years, has showcased the best in LA’s jazz scene, fusion greats and studio icons. It is the place to see your favorite musician’s favorite musicians and was a massive influence on Thundercat.
“She’s [Remi] a child of the Baked Potato like me,” Thundercat says. “She knew exactly what the song needed. And it was wild to watch her make it happen. The more I listen to the song, it’s clear there was no one better I could have picked.”
“Children of the Baked Potato” premiered earlier today as part of a takeover of Shibuya TV’s massive outdoor screen in Tokyo’s bustling central district plus 42 outdoor screens in Miyashita Park, one of Tokyo’s buzziest urban hangouts with fans invited to experience it IRL. Thundercat and Remi Wolf also joined Zane Lowe for an interview on Apple Music’s New Music Daily show.
Listen to “I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time” / “Children of the Baked Potato” (feat. Remi Wolf)
Next month, fans can catch Thundercat as he embarks on a tour of North America, including a date at III Points Festival in Miami and Camp Flog Gnaw in LA. You can purchase tickets HERE.
Thundercat North America Tour Dates
October 15th — Atlanta, GA — Coca—Cola Roxy
October 17th — Miami, FL — III Points Festival
October 25th — Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Paramount
October 28th — Washington D.C. — The Anthem
October 29th — Philadelphia, PA — Franklin Music Hall
October 30th — Boston, MA — Roadrunner
November 1st — Toronto, ON — Massey Hall
November 7th — Chicago, IL — Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
November 11th — Denver, CO — Fillmore Auditorium
November 16th — Los Angeles, CA — Camp Flog Gnaw
Although it’s been more than five years since his last full length, It Is What It Is, Thundercat keeps himself busy. Collaborations with Tame Impala, Gorillaz, Silk Sonic, Katraynada, and Justice maintained his presence in the music realm, while the bassist has also branched out into acting with roles in Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett. Continuing his foray into the realm of television, the bassist joined Yo Gabba Gabba for a special performance at NPR’s Tiny Desk and appeared as a featured musical guest on the rebooted Yo Gabba Gabbaland Apple TV+. This past April, he appeared at the show’s Coachella set for both weekends. He’s stuck in your head, he’s playing in Gap ads, he’s onstage with Steve Lacy and Red Hot Chili Peppers — Thundercat’s warm, playful presence is never too far away, and life’s all the more enlivened by it.
THUNDERCAT ONLINE
By: Bass Magazine